SDSU HEAD-TO-HEAD VS. NEVADA

Breaking down the SDSU-Nevada game

SDSU’s offense vs. Nevada’s defense

Aztecs: San Diego State needs to start fast. The Aztecs cannot afford to go three-and-out on their first three possessions, as they did against New Mexico State last week. The key here is the running game. The Aztecs need to know early if Adam Muema can penetrate up the middle and earn them some yardage.

Wolf Pack: Nevada has been serviceable against the pass, but soft against the run, which plays to the Aztecs’ strengths. Expect the defense — led by ferocious DE Brock Hekking, who has a team-high 6½ sacks — to try to pressure Aztecs QB Quinn Kaehler early.

Edge: San Diego State

Aztecs: To stop the Wolf Pack, SDSU must put together a complete game. The Aztecs will be missing middle linebacker Jake Fely, who is out for the season with a broken foot. His replacement, Josh Gavert, needs to show that he can lead this defense and make an impact in the pass rush.

Wolf Pack: SDSU will have its hands full trying to slow down Nevada’s pistol offense and QB Cody Fajardo. Nevada always has been a strong running team that relies heavily on the read option, but Fajardo is also a deadly accurate passer, and the Wolf Pack are fully capable of taking to the air if they need to.

Edge: Nevada

Aztecs: SDSU made a huge play against New Mexico State that sparked momentum: Sam Meredith blocked an extra point, and David Lamar ran it back for a two-point conversion and three-point swing. Special teams play has been a strength for SDSU this season; that shouldn’t change this week.

Wolf Pack: Nevada hasn’t been dynamic in the kick return game, averaging a pedestrian 17.2 yards per return. The Wolf Pack are better in the kicking game, though. Freshman kicker Brent Zuzo is 5-for-5 on field goals.

Edge: San Diego State

Aztecs: The Aztecs snuck by Nevada in Reno last year, and some gutsy calls in that game helped to secure the win. This year, Rocky Long’s team has played well in portions of different games, but a complete performance in four quarters, and all three phases, continues to evade the Aztecs.

Wolf Pack: In his first season at the helm, Brian Polian and his staff have done a masterful job of keeping the Wolf Pack on track despite having to use three different quarterbacks in five games.

Edge: Nevada

Aztecs: The Aztecs want to qualify for a fourth straight bowl, and after a 1-3 start, they know the window of opportunity is shrinking. They need a win, they need to start well in conference play, and they want to make a good impression in their first Friday night appearance on ESPN.

Wolf Pack: SDSU upset the Wolf Pack in Reno in 2012, so expect this team to come out hard, determined to return the favor. Also, momentum is on their side. Nevada has won two straight Mountain West games.